The Aussie Huntsman Glanced Across the Valley. Something Caught His Eye.
The huntsman has paused on the path, and the whole countryside seems to wait for him. A red merle Australian Shepherd looks off to one side with warm amber eyes, his speckled coat a patchwork of copper, cream, and soft grey. A green velvet cap with a long feather and a sprig of oak leaves sits at a jaunty angle. His dark green coat is trimmed with brown fur and gold buttons. Behind him, a river runs through a wide valley of rocky cliffs and distant towns.
Australian Shepherds are bright, energetic herding dogs that love to work, learn, and run. They need plenty of daily exercise and mental challenges, such as trick training, agility, or puzzle toys, and a bored Aussie may try to herd the family, the kids, or the cat. Their thick coat sheds seasonally and needs regular brushing. Some have striking blue or mismatched eyes, a harmless quirk for many dogs. Because merle coloring is genetic, a vet can help with questions about health, and early training makes for a polite, happy companion.
The painter placed him high against a sweeping sky, which gives the portrait a bold, adventurous feeling. His expression is gentle and a little distant, as if he is listening for something far away. A huntsman this thoughtful would probably rather lead a quiet walk through the hills than chase anything at all.
